Faculty Syllabus

Feigenbaum’s Echocardiography. 8th Edition; Armstrong & Ryan

Echocardiographer’s Pocket Reference, 5th Edition; Palma

Laptop computer with reliable internet access

Assignments (5)                            20%                                  

Tests (12) / Presentation               30%                                  

Midterm Exams                             25%                                   

Final Exam                                    25%

This course focuses on adult acquired cardiac pathologies. Recognition of the echocardiograhic appearances of cardiovascular disease is stressed. The student will learn cardiac pathophysiology, quantitative measurements, and the application of 2-D, M-mode and Doppler to assess each pathology. Topics discussed include:

Ventricular Systolic Function

Ventricular Diastolic Function

Right Heart Disease

Valvular Disease

Endocarditis

Ischemic Heart Disease

Stress Echocardiography

Prosthetic Valves

Cardiomyopathies

Upon completion of DSAE 2404, the student will be able to:

• Describe the etiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment of valvular diseases.
• Describe the etiology, signs, symptoms, and treatment of myocardial diseases.
• Explain the pathophysiology and hemodynamic consequences of discussed cardiac pathologies.
• Identify 2-D, M-Mode, color, and spectral Doppler criteria for recognizing systolic and evaluating systolic dysfunction 
• Identify 2-D, M-Mode, color, and spectral Doppler criteria for recognizing and evaluating diastolic dysfunction 
• Identify 2-D, M-Mode, color, and spectral Doppler criteria for recognizing and evaluating valvular disease 
• Identify 2-D, M-Mode, color, and spectral Doppler criteria for recognizing and evaluating myocardial disease 
• Differentiate normal versus abnormal echocardiographic findings in images and measurements.
• Interpret echocardiographic findings of valvular and myocardial disease using sonographic terminology.
• Describe related imaging procedures correlating with echocardiogram findings in diagnosing valvular and myocardial disease.
• Describe the exercise and pharmacology stress protocols when evaluating ischemic disease.

At the conclusion of the Diagnostic Cardiovascular Sonography Program, the student will

• Demonstrate entry-level cardiac and vascular sonographer competency in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform diagnostic quality sonographic examinations of the adult heart and vascular system, including 2-D, color, and spectral Doppler assessments
• Evaluate normal, abnormal, and normal variant sonographic appearances according to standardized cardiac and vascular protocols and within recognized time frames set by industry and local standards
• Document, assess, and quantify cardiac and vascular pathologies
• Recognize and respond in a timely manner to echocardiographic and vascular findings that require adjustment in imaging, notification, and/or emergency protocols
• Employ prudent and safe use of ultrasound by maintaining the ALARA principle (AIUM.org)
• Employ professional judgment and discretion with regard to patient confidentiality, patient care and safety, professional interaction skills, and the reduction of sonographer musculoskeletal injuries.
• Think logically, analytically, and critically and employ those skills in clinical decision-making related to sonographic imaging, patient care, and patient safety
• Adheres to the principles stated in the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards in Sonography